Blackmailers Using Deepfake Sex Videos of Victims in Extortion Trend

Helplines in the Netherlands are receiving more reports of people on dating apps being confronted by fake videos of themselves performing sex acts and demanding money or the video will be posted online. “It’s a very worrying trend,” the helpline at Offlimits, a specialist online abuse agency, told AD.

For some time now, celebrities, especially women, have been victims of deepfake videos. But now fraudsters are also using technology to target ordinary people, using photos shared on dating apps. Last year, the Help Wanted of Offlimits helpline received nine reports about this. So far this year, they have received 27.

“It’s normal to ask for photos through these types of apps and social networks. This often goes well. But we hear more and more stories of people who, without suspecting it, send a photo of themselves, for example a photo dressed on vacation, and are shocked when they receive a fake video and are blackmailed with it. ‘If you don’t pay this amount, we will put you online,’” said Kira Esparbé Gasca of Help Wanted.

Help Wanted suspects there are many more victims of this extortion trend. “Many people don’t report it because they are ashamed. Or because they don’t know there is a support line. The first piece of advice we give: don’t pay. Do not meet this person and do not send any more photos. So you end up in someone’s power. Not responding is the best thing you can do.”

Making deepfakes like these is a punishable offense, she stressed. “It is not allowed to take nude images of someone without permission, even if they are made on a computer. You can report the account to the platform, block the user, report them and file a complaint. We also recommend that you trust someone and talk about it. To let people know this is happening. People often feel ashamed and guilty, but that’s not really necessary. Only the perpetrator should feel ashamed.”

The anti-bullying foundation Stop Pesten NU has also noticed an increase in fake videos used to extort people. “This is really new. Many people are still unfamiliar with AI in this way. They think: it’s just used for fun and they don’t see the harm in it. Of course you are completely shocked when this happens to you,” said founder Patricia Bolwerk. “If you think the person is serious and is really going to expose you, you can share with those around you: ‘If you see this kind of image with my face, let me know.’ So you feel more in control. You’re also sending the signal: It’s not me and I’m not going to mess with me.”